By News Editor And Partners
• Dec 21, 2020
During the Rio Hondo acequia research, lines were placed in the Rio Hondo to measure water temperature. Many hours were spent measuring the relationship of the ground water, surface water and river flow in the Alcalde, Rio Hondo and El Rio acequia systems.
An in-depth study of centuries-old community acequia systems in northern New Mexico reveals why they have been resilient.
Since 2010, researchers from New Mexico State University, University of New Mexico, and Sandia National Laboratory have studied hydrology and cultural aspects of the of El Rito, Rio Hondo and Alcalde acequia systems.
“We wanted to understand the many facets involved in the operation of these systems and what contributes to their resiliency, not just the hydrology,” said Sam Fernald, professor in NMSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences. “I think we found out some of those, including the importance of the culture of the community.”
An in-depth study of centuries-old community acequia systems in northern New Mexico reveals why they have been resilient. Sam Fernald, New Mexico State University professor in the Extension animal sciences and natural resources department, reviews data while studying the Rio Hondo acequia. Fernald was the principal investigator in a 10-year study of three acequia systems in northern New Mexico. Seventeen researchers from NMSU, University of New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratory present their findings in a new NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences publication. (NMSU photo by Jane Moorman) During the Rio Hondo acequia research, lines were placed in the Rio Hondo to measure water temperature. Many hours were spent measuring the relationship of the ground water, surface water and river flow in the Alcalde, Rio Hondo and El Rio acequia systems. (NMSU photo by Jane Moorman)